Paros has one of the best eating scenes in the Cyclades — sophisticated enough for a serious dinner, relaxed enough to sit for three hours over grilled fish and a carafe of local wine. Here are the places we return to, organised by area.
Naoussa
Naoussa is where you eat well. The village has more restaurants per square metre than anywhere else on the island, and competition keeps the quality high.
Barbarossa
Naoussa harbour · $$$ · Seafood
Right on the harbour, with tables virtually overhanging the water. The octopus and the whole sea bream are consistently excellent. Busy in August — book a day in advance or arrive before 8pm.
Christos
Old town, Naoussa · $$ · Greek taverna
A proper village taverna tucked into the back lanes, away from the harbour crowd. Grilled meats, fresh salads, good local wine. Excellent value — the kind of place you come back to every night.
Manto
Near Naoussa harbour · $$ · Traditional Greek
A small family-run taverna that has been here for decades. Simple food done properly — moussaka, stuffed tomatoes, fresh fish of the day. Very popular with locals. No reservations taken.
Parikia
The capital has a lively restaurant scene concentrated around the harbour and old town.
Levantis
Old town, Parikia · $$$ · Mediterranean/Greek fusion
One of the best restaurants on the island — inventive Greek cuisine in a beautiful courtyard. The menu changes with the season. Worth booking ahead even in early June.
Tamarisko
Old town, Parikia · $$ · Vegetarian-friendly Greek
A lovely garden restaurant with an excellent vegetarian selection alongside the usual fish and meat. The mezze spread is exceptional. Good for families.
The Happy Green Cow
Old town, Parikia · $ · Healthy / light meals
Don't be put off by the name. Fresh salads, wraps, smoothies and light lunches in a casual setting. Perfect for lunch before an afternoon beach visit.
Lefkes
The mountain village has a handful of traditional tavernas serving simple, honest Greek food. Pantheon, on the main square, has been feeding travellers for generations — grilled lamb, village salads, local wine. Sit outside under the plane tree and order the slow-cooked goat if it's on the board.
In July and August, restaurants in Naoussa fill up fast — book a table for dinner if you have a specific place in mind. Outside those months, walk-ins are usually fine. Greeks eat late: dinner before 8.30pm is considered early, and many restaurants don't hit their stride until 9 or 10pm. Tipping is customary but informal — rounding up the bill is appreciated. Lunch is typically a relaxed, two-hour affair; don't rush it.